Bowman Says Growth is Key to Infrastructure Woes

Brian Bowman says there are ways Winnipeg can fund infrastructure repairs without taxing its citizens more and cutting services.

The mayoral candidate said on Wednesday his plan includes more long term, permanent solutions, such as growing the city and attraction more tax-paying citizens.

“This approach will allow us to create new revenue while ensuring spending is focused on the infrastructure that will support the people of Winnipeg now and into the future,” Bowman said.

The privacy lawyer broke down his plan into three key areas, including implement steps already identified by the Infrastructure Funding Council’s 2011 report, such as changes and improvements to construction planning and contracting practices.

Bowman would also develop a permanent infrastructure plan for the city that goes beyond the limits of the master transportation plan, and increase annual infrastructure funding through the identification of efficiencies in the city government and portion of property tax.

“Tackling the infrastructure challenges in our city will take years, but like the other challenges we face, we can tackle it by working together. We can do it in a transparent and open fashion.”